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Changing region on Triforce type 3

JunitoNo1

JunitoNo1

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Just got myself a Triforce in the form of a F-zero AX cab, and it's currently set to Japanese region. I've tried going to the system info tab in test mode and doing the 30x service button press to change region, but no dice. After 15 presses, I'll get a GAME ID line will come up, and nothing with additional presses.

After reading up some more, I guess I need a netboot security chip. I've got a naomi 2 with a netdimm/pi boot setup. Is the security chip in the Netdimm interchangeable on the Triforce to go about with the region change? If so, does that chip need to then remain in the Triforce, or can the OG be put back in while maintaining the new region?
 
JunitoNo1 said:
Just got myself a Triforce in the form of a F-zero AX cab, and it's currently set to Japanese region. I've tried going to the system info tab in test mode and doing the 30x service button press to change region, but no dice. After 15 presses, I'll get a GAME ID line will come up, and nothing with additional presses.

After reading up some more, I guess I need a netboot security chip. I've got a naomi 2 with a netdimm/pi boot setup. Is the security chip in the Netdimm interchangeable on the Triforce to go about with the region change? If so, does that chip need to then remain in the Triforce, or can the OG be put back in while maintaining the new region?
Click to expand...
Off the top of my head it should work if the PIC was compiled with the right CF boot file name (5abc.bin iirc), which seems odd at first glance but it's still in the code. This is from vague memory of a conversation with Andy Geezer.

Edit, found the email where we chatted about this, "I discovered the ABC boot id thing to active the secret menu on chihiro/triforce, Elsemi (of M2 emulator fame, discovered the Sega Corporation text string in Lindbergh pic chips to enable the region menu there)."
 
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So I got myself a 0 key for the triforce. Popped it in and got a "media board malfunction, error 26" fault.

Any suggestions?

Worse yet, I broke a few legs on the OG key when I pulled it out
 
JunitoNo1 said:
So I got myself a 0 key for the triforce. Popped it in and got a "media board malfunction, error 26" fault.

Any suggestions?

Worse yet, I broke a few legs on the OG key when I pulled it out
Click to expand...
Someone help this guy out.

I sent him both a naomi and t3 netboot key, not sure why he cannot change region with the net key.

Also, to help him with a replacement OG key, can I just grab something from MAME or is it more complex/compiling involved?
 
As far as fixing your original game, I took the PIC dump from the MAME source / ROMs and programmed it using the settings I generally use for NAOMI / Chihiro Pics, sending it your way. I really hope that at least works for you.

For the region change (someone please update me if I'm wrong) you don't want anything connected, no network or GD-ROM drive. Then it's 15 + 30 more presses.
 
I'll try the 0 key again with NOTHING connected. I for sure had the GD-Rom unplugged, I'll disconnect that network line, though I'm not sure if it's even leading to anything on the other end. I'll also disconnect the memory card line, which from my understanding of the seller, was non functioning.

I'll report back on this tonight.
 
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Everything disconnected, still getting error 26, able to get into test mode, but the 15+30 still doesn't work.
 
So an IC socket repair was successful, game is back up running in its original state.
20220406_134309.jpg


With absolutely everything unplugged except for vga out, still no dice. Could it be related to firmware of the system?
20220406_135229.jpg
 
Good job on the repair. I hope you'll test the replacement (thats on me) but totally understand if you dont want to risk any more swapping than needed.

because he is on GD mode... Do I need to send him a CF key and not net? Does he need to change a setting or jumper to net mode?
 
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The Net-Boot version of the PIC: ABC_BIN_0000000000000000_NET.bin works with Chihiro and Triforce in both CF,GD-ROM and Net-Boot mode.

If @JunitoNo1 has that version all is good on the PIC side.
 
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Ok, to be 100 percent certain I'll burn the ones from your archive as well. At this point I am also curious.
 
So I tried all of these with EVERYTHING unplugged for yhe Triforce except for VGA. Didn't have any luck.

I'm still getting error 26, and 15+30 won't access the region change option.

The only chip to not give an error is the OG chip.
20220410_110949.jpg
 
Hi Guys! This is my first post here, but I've been intensively reading everything I can as I just picked up 3 F-Zero AX deluxe cabs and am cleaning/fixing all of them.

I experienced the identical situation as the OP, and my firmware versions were identical.

All three systems (one Japan region, two US region) were:

Main Board:
Boot: 2.03
Firmware: 0.36
FPGA: 7.09

Media Board:
Firm: 1.01 (RX850)

Network Board:
Firm: 11.01 (VxWorks)

I also was only able to get the game ID to appear after 15 presses, but nothing more.

Since I wanted to update to the modified CF boot code, I went through the process of updating per these instructions:
https://www.arcade-projects.com/thr...rze-juillet-french-national-day-release.1526/

After updating to that version of firmware, I am now able to do the 30-button press region change.

I don't see any downside of updating to that firmware version. I confirmed that loading from the original GD-ROM with the original security key works, plus now I can boot to the attached CF card as well.

Hope this helps.
-Frank

EDIT: to the OP, I just looked and see that you are in the Detroit area... me too. Private message me if you need any in-person help.
 
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